Imane Khelif, the Algerian boxer who won gold at the Paris Olympics despite controversy over gender eligibility, says she is not worried about Donald Trump and is focused on defending her title at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Khelif faced criticism from public figures such as Trump, Elon Musk, and JK Rowling. She was previously disqualified from the 2023 world championships due to disputed claims about gender eligibility but later won gold in the welterweight division at the Paris Olympics. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is now facing legal challenges over its decision to let her compete.
Trump signed an executive order titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.” He recently referred to Khelif as a “male boxer” and claimed she “stole” the gold medal.
In response, Khelif made it clear that she is not intimidated. “The U.S. President issued a decision related to transgender policies in America. I am not transgender. This does not concern me, and it does not intimidate me,” she said.
Reflecting on the controversy, Khelif said she has grown stronger. “I have learned so much from this experience. If the old Imane operated at 50 percent, then today, I am more motivated and determined than ever.”
She also addressed the impact of the public criticism on her and her family. “Winning gold was the best response. It was a victory that mattered on every level—ethical, athletic, and sportsmanship-wise.”
However, Khelif said the backlash took an emotional toll, especially on her mother. “When I saw well-known figures discussing me without checking facts, it was shocking. It affected me mentally and affected my family even more. My mother had to go to the hospital almost every day.”
During the Paris Olympics, Khelif had medical professionals supporting her. “This was not just a sports issue. It affected me mentally, and I needed specialist doctors to help me through it. Without their support, I might have struggled even more.”
Last year, Khelif filed a legal complaint regarding online harassment. Reports about her gender resurfaced in November after a “leaked” document claimed she was biologically male. Khelif denied the allegations and said her birth certificate confirms she was born female.